Hotcakes for Heroes

Deborah B. received a Quilt of Honor from CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program during her Veteran Pinning Ceremony. Her daughters, Sandra and Jennifer, assisted in the wrapping.

Debbie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in July 1974 and served for over eight years, with duty stations in Germany and Colorado. She was honorably discharged in August 1982 as a Staff Sergeant. Her Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was Secretary of Military Police.

“Debbie, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service.”

George G. was honored with a Quilt of Valor by Missouri River Quilts of Valor and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program. His friend Eveline H. and nurse Krissy S. assisted in the wrapping.

George enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1953 and served in Korea with Battery A, 57th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division. He was released from active duty in 1954 and transferred to the Army Reserve, completing eight years of service. He was honorably discharged in March 1962 as a Sergeant E-5. His MOS was Artillery.

His awards include the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal. He is a past Commander of American Legion – ND Post 0133.

“George, on behalf of the United States, Missouri River Quilts of Valor, and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, thank you for your service and sacrifices!”

CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program honored Sheldon’s military service by presenting him with a Quilt of Valor in February 2022.

Sheldon served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1959. Prior to that, he spent three years in the North Dakota National Guard. During the Korean War, Sheldon was assigned to the 20th Weather Squadron, 2143rd Weather Wing, at Nagoya Air Station in Japan from 1951 to 1954. He made monthly flights into Korea to coordinate with various weather detachments, often placing himself in harm’s way to support the war effort. His work ensured the accurate exchange of weather data critical to combat operations.

Sheldon was honorably discharged in 1959 as a Staff Sergeant. His MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) was Personnel Specialist. He was a member of the American Legion.

Memories shared: Sheldon fondly recalled meeting people from other countries, learning about their cultures, and the birth of his oldest daughter while stationed in the Philippines.

“Sheldon, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifices.”

CHI Health at Home and the We Honor Veterans Program awarded Glenn S. a Quilt of Honor. His daughter Glenda E. and son Jason S. assisted in the wrapping.

Glenn served in the U.S. Army from January 1967 to December 1968. His primary duty station was in Germany, and his MOS was 16B Army Hercules Missile Crew Member.

He received the National Defense Service Medal and the European Theater Medal. Glenn is a member of the VFW in Anamoose, ND, and the American Legion in Drake, ND.

“Glenn, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, thank you for your service!”

Dee was honored by CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. He received his Quilt of Valor in November 2020.

Dee, part of the “Greatest Generation,” lived through the Great Depression and served in World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1944 and entered service in January 1945. He served aboard the USS Black Hawk (AD-9), a destroyer tender, providing torpedoes, repairs, and maintenance for destroyers and small warships.

He was stationed at Pearl Harbor in May 1945, then Okinawa and China, until May 1946. Dee was honorably discharged in July 1946 as a Seaman 1st Class (S1C). His MOS was maintenance support.

His awards include the World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and a letter from President Harry S. Truman. Dee was a member and past commander of the Garrison ND American Legion Post 49.

“Dee, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifices.”

Harry S. received a Quilt of Honor from CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. Sheila, Norlyn, Patsy, Darnell, and Brian assisted in the wrapping.

Harry joined the U.S. Army in February 1951. After basic training, he was stationed at Fort Worden, Washington, and served with E Company 369 EASR. He was honorably discharged in February 1953 and transferred to the USAR. His rank at discharge was Private First Class.

“Harry, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service!”

Henry S. was awarded a Quilt of Valor and the Vietnam Commemorative Pin by CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program and Missouri River Quilts of Valor. His niece Sandra, nephews James and Mark, and great-great niece Josie assisted in the wrapping.

Henry enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1957. He served in Okinawa, Manila, and Long Beach, CA, and was honorably discharged in June 1959 as a Corporal. His MOS was Rifleman 1381 “Shore Party Man,” responsible for beach support operations.

Memory shared: While in the Philippines, Henry and a fellow Marine dug a basement for an orphanage using a crane. The grateful community gave them two bottles of wine.

“Henry, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service.”

Jesse J. was honored with a Quilt of Valor, the Vietnam Commemorative Pin, and the North Dakota Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Coin. His nurse Dawn B. nominated him, and his grandchildren Camryn J. and Hunter J. assisted in the wrapping.

Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in April 1961. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB, TX, and specialized in Aircraft Mechanic Jet Fighter and Aircraft Maintenance Technician. His primary duty station was Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged in April 1967 as Airman 1st Class E-4. His MOS was Aircraft Mechanic. Jesse is a member of the American Legion in Napoleon.

“Jesse, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”

John B. received a Quilt of Honor during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. His wife Beth assisted in the wrapping.

John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September 1963 at Louisville, KY. He served with the 818th Combat Defense Squadron SAC at Lincoln AFB, NE. He was honorably discharged in April 1964 as Airman Basic E-1. His MOS was Air Policeman.

“John, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, thank you for your service!”

Larry M. was awarded a Quilt of Valor, the Vietnam Commemorative Pin, and the North Dakota Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Coin. His wife Luella and brothers Daryl and Gene assisted in the wrapping.

Larry joined the U.S. Army in February 1968 and completed Paratrooper Training at Fort Benning, GA. He served at USARPAC in Korea for over eight months. He was honorably discharged in February 1970 as Sergeant E-5. His MOS was Paratrooper. He earned a Parachutist Badge and was active in American Legion Baseball.

“Larry, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – We Honor Veterans Program, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”

Leo A. received a Quilt of Valor, the Vietnam Commemorative Pin, and the North Dakota Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Coin. His sons Steve and Cortney assisted in the wrapping.

Leo joined the U.S. Army in November 1966 and served in Vietnam for over nine months. He later served at the U.S. Army Personnel Center in Oakland, CA, and with Company “A” 34th Engineering Battalion USARPAC. He was honorably discharged in November 1972 as SP4 E-4. His MOS was 44C20 Welder.

His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

“Leo, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”

Leo S. was awarded a Quilt of Honor made by Caring Hearts Quilters (Corpus Christi Catholic Church). His wife Darlene, daughters Diane, Lori, JoLynn, and son Lex assisted in the wrapping.

Leo enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in January 1956 as a Seaman Recruit and completed Electrician Mate school. He served in St. Louis, MO, and aboard USCGC FIR (WAGL-212) in Seattle, WA. He was honorably discharged in January 1962 as EM2 Electrician’s Mate Second Class. His MOS was Electrician Mate.

He received the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal and was a member of the American Legion in Garrison and the Bismarck Amvets Club.

Stories shared: Leo joked about joining the Coast Guard despite not being able to swim: “All I had to do was make it across the pool!” His wife said, “He was good looking, German, and Catholic. I had to grab him while I could!”

“Leo, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service!”

Leon received his Quilt of Valor in September 2021. Family and friends participated in his Veteran Pinning Ceremony.

Leon served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1962 with the 818th Engineer Company from ND, supporting the Berlin Crisis Mission. He later joined the Army National Guard from 1978 to 1994. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant 1st Class. His MOS was ration breakdown.

He is a member of Bismarck Amvets Post 9.

Memory shared: Camping by the Missouri River with South Dakota guard members and helping place a floating bridge across the river.

“Leon, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service.”

Luis V-B. received a Quilt of Valor, the Vietnam Commemorative Pin, and the North Dakota Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Coin. His spouse Lila and CHI staff Jess and Brett assisted in the wrapping.

Luis joined the U.S. Air Force in June 1963. His military education included courses in Base Level Management, Command Data Buffer, and First Sergeant Academy. He served in Vietnam (1966–1967), Puerto Rico, and Andrews AFB, Washington, D.C.

Luis served for 21 years and retired in June 1984 as Master Sergeant E-7. His MOS included First Sergeant, Postal Specialist, Administration Technician, and Minuteman NCO Code Controller.

His awards include: Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and NCO PME Graduate Ribbon. He is a member of the VFW – Wisconsin.

“Luis, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”

Matt K. received a Quilt of Valor and the Vietnam Commemorative Pin. His sons Terry, Tom, and Tracy assisted in the wrapping.

Matt enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in August 1955 and served during the Cold War. He completed basic training at Lackland AFB, TX, and Air Police School at Parks AFB, CA. He was stationed at Robins AFB, GA, and Thule AFB, Greenland, and served with the 3080th Air Police Squadron at Caribou Air Force Station, Loring AFB, MA.

He was released from active duty in May 1959 and honorably discharged from the Reserves in August 1961 as A/1C E-4. His MOS was Air Policeman. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and was a member of American Legion – ND Post 0069.

Memory shared: Matt enjoyed serving his country and played basketball on the Air Force traveling team for two years.

“Matt, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans program and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”

Murlan F. received a Quilt of Valor, the Vietnam Commemorative Pin, and the North Dakota Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Coin. His sister Betty and nurses Krissy and Amanda assisted in the wrapping.

Murlan served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves from April 1954 to January 1955, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His duty stations included USS Cimmaron (AO-22), Kami Seya and Yokosuka, Japan; USS Lester (DE-1022); USS Springfield (CLG-7); and USS Newport News (CA-148).

He was honorably discharged in September 1974 as Senior Chief Petty Officer E-8. His MOS was YN Yeoman SCPO.

His awards include: Joint Service Commendation Award, Good Conduct Medal (5 times), National Defense Service Medal, and China Service Medal (Extended).

“Murlan, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”

Pius was honored by CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. He received a Quilt of Valor at home in December 2023.

Pius entered the U.S. Navy in February 1951 and served during the Korean War aboard the USS Huse (DE-145), a destroyer escort in the Atlantic Fleet. He also served in Maryland, Rhode Island, and along the East Coast.

He was honorably discharged in January 1955 as Petty Officer Third Class (PV3 E3). His MOS was Personnel Man.

Memory shared: Pius recalled riding out a hurricane and experiencing two ship-to-ship collisions.

“Pius, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service!”

Robert L. received a Quilt of Valor during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. His spouse Shandar and Liz S. assisted in the wrapping.

Robert enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in September 1986. He completed basic training at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, TX, and tech school at Lowry AFB, CO. He served during the Cold War at Tyndall AFB, FL, and Okinawa, Japan, and was honorably discharged at Ellsworth AFB, SD, in August 1993 as Staff Sergeant E-4. His MOS was F15 Avionics.

His awards include: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Cluster, Good Conduct Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Longevity Service Award, NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, and Training Ribbon. He is a member of American Legion Post 139 in Tioga.

“Robert, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”

Roger P. received a Quilt of Honor during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. His daughter Roberta H., grandson Teddy H., friend Karen B., and Sammy the Corgi assisted in the wrapping.

Roger enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1966 and completed training at the U.S. Army Artillery and Missile School at Fort Sill, OK. He served with the 8th Howitzer Battalion, 17th Artillery, Fourth U.S. Army. He was released from active duty in June 1969 and honorably discharged from the Reserves in August 1972 as Specialist 5 (E-5). His MOS was Personnel Clerk.

His awards include the National Defense Service Medal and Expert (Rifle). He is a member of the American Legion in Minnesota.

Memory shared: Roger enjoyed the structure of the Army.

“Roger, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans, thank you for your service!”

Vernon R. received a Quilt of Honor during his Veteran Pinning Ceremony. His son Steve R. and nephew Kenneth S. assisted in the wrapping.

Vernon enlisted in the ND Army National Guard in 1947 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1951. He served as a mechanic in the motor pool at Fort Rucker, AL, maintaining vehicles. He was honorably discharged in May 1952 as Corporal. His MOS was Artillery and Mechanic.

He is a member of American Legion – ND Post 0133 in Wishek, ND.

Memory shared: Vernon is proud of his service and of his two sons who followed in his military footsteps.

“Vernon, on behalf of the United States and CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans program, thank you for your service!”

William N. was recognized by CHI Health at Home – Bismarck’s We Honor Veterans program for his military service.

William was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in November 1960. He served as a navigator in Vietnam and worked in Military Airlift Command, Air Rescue Service, Tactical Air Command, Air Training Command, and Strategic Air Command. He was honorably discharged in November 1981 as Major, with his final assignment at Grand Forks AFB, ND.

Due to his top-secret clearance, William could not discuss his missions. He was a lifetime member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

Memory shared: William was proud to serve with the Civil Air Patrol alongside his granddaughter.

“With Respect, Honor, and Gratitude — William, Thank you for your service.”

Willis H. received a Quilt of Valor and the Vietnam Commemorative Pin. His family assisted in the wrapping.

Willis joined the U.S. Army in January 1953 and served with the 597th Engineer Light Equipment in France and Germany. He was honorably discharged in December 1954 and served in the ND Army National Guard for over 39 years, retiring in 1993 as Staff Sergeant E-6. His MOS was 91B – Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic.

He is a member of VFW Post 753 and American Legion in Minot, ND.

Memories shared: Willis was born in a barn while his mother was milking cows. He worked as a mechanic at Minot AFB for 24 years and served with four of his children in the ND National Guard.

“Willis, on behalf of the United States, CHI Health at Home – Bismarck We Honor Veterans Program, and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, thank you for your service!”